Oak Ridge grad dies in work-related accident

Josh Ruff, 23, began working at David Girard Winery on June 1, 2011. It was an accident there that led to his death on Wednesday.

“We all loved Josh, each and every one of us,” winery owner David Girard said. “We’re devastated …. We’re in shock.”

Ruff, an assistant winemaker at the winery, had been working when the accident happened. “Another employee heard a crash, responded, and saw his right leg pinned underneath a hopper,” said El Dorado County Sheriff’s Lt. Tim Becker. A hopper is a piece of equipment used to receive and direct material to a conveyor. As was earlier reported, CPR was conducted on-scene and he was later flown by helicopter to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, Becker said.

Ruff, who attended California State University, Long Beach, was known for being on Oak Ridge High School’s track and field team, where, after graduating in 2007, he would later become an assistant coach. He continued to run as a hobby.

“I have so many happy memories with you,” wrote Danielle Domenichelli on Ruff’s Facebook Wall. “You’ve always had a smile on your face, kindness in your heart and a little smirk of a laugh that was contagious. It was just a few weeks ago that we ran 13 miles around Lake Natoma and talked about getting back into racing. I was excited to watch us both pursue our passion and I will have you in my thoughts as I toe the starting line this fall. Thank you for all the great memories and days out on the trails.”

“I’m really going to miss you buddy,” added Scott Crawford to the Wall. “Would trade anything for one more lap around Natomas, but I guess I’ll have to wait. Thanks for everything. Love you and every memory you left me.”

Ruff had recently had his bachelor party, and was just three weeks shy of his wedding to fiancee Rachel Manasse of Redondo Beach. Manasse also attended CSU Long Beach, where she played tennis.

As news of the accident began to spread late Wednesday, friends flocked to show their support.

“Too soon man,” wrote Zachary Conley on Ruff’s Wall. “We will truly miss you. I almost just want to imagine you are just out running somewhere… and just won’t be back for a while.”

Posted by Cole Mayer
on Aug 24 2012.
Last Login: Tue Sep 2 07:47:50 2014
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2 Comments for “Oak Ridge grad dies in work-related accident”

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I had the pleasure of knowing him from his coaching at oak ridge he was more than coach he became a best friend to me and we talked all the time, he always was happy and had a smile on his face all the time. I talked to him the day before the accident that and the last thing he said was I’ll see you tomm at practice but that day never came I’m so glad I got talk to him and see him before the accident he will be greatly missed by alot of people who got touched by this one of a kind man who we called Josh Ruff my prayers go out too Rachel’s family and Josh’s family RIP Ruff this season is for you and the rest of mine to come miss you;(